The Girl Who Saw Tomorrow II » Harry Potter

2.66 | The Lightning-Struck Tower

The Headmaster's study had always been so uniquely Dumbledore. It represented him perfectly – an eccentric and wise wizard who had seen much in life yet had managed to not lose his charm and wit.

Margaret couldn't help but longingly at the simplest of things that she had merely considered backdrop before – the cupboard with the Pensieve was open just an inch, the tall glass case filled with memories spinning slowly next to it; there were bookshelves lining the staircases to a private library yet there were books on every available surface; Fawkes's food and water bowls were enchanted to fill themselves; a rainbow-coloured quilt with impressive knitting patterns was hanging off one of the armchairs by the fireplace.

Every corner was organised, but chaotically. Somehow, it gave the study a human touch. It was lived in. It was loved.

If Dumbledore noticed Margaret watching him, he did not mention it. He was sending calls to the Order members for extra protection of Hogwarts tonight, with Fawkes's help. Each time Dumbledore held out a scroll, Fawkes swooped forward his glowing orange and yellow tail and the scroll vanished in a burst of flames, going to its recipient.

"What's on your mind?" asks Jasper the raven, landing next to where Margaret was standing by the railing.

"Just thinking how much I'm going to miss him," she says softly, speaking in his mind for the first time. She glanced at Jasper, who was hopping happily at the new development but he did not point it out.

"He has been your mentor for so long, of course you will miss him... But look at it this way, you had the chance to be taught by someone so knowledgeable and wise. That counts for something, right?"

Margaret turned away from the study to stare out at the Highlands, lit up by the late afternoon sun.

"Damn, Krow. Sometimes you say the nicest things. Were you a philosopher in a previous life?" says Margaret, trying to keep the conversation light.

"One of us has to be the smart one."

Margaret gaped at him, chuckling in disbelief. It seemed to catch Dumbledore's attention.

"Ah, yes. Hello, raven," says Dumbledore, getting up from his seat and walking up to join Margaret in the gallery. Fawkes flew up to the railing as well, settling next to Dumbledore.

"Oh, I'm sorry, sir – I never introduced you to Jasper. Or Krow, as I like to call him," says Margaret, grimacing at the loud croak he let out. "He isn't very fond of the nickname..."

"I see... Hello, Jasper," says Dumbledore. The raven gave a little bow of his head. "Fascinating... Very fascinating. Clever creatures, ravens are. I have always been fascinated by magical birds. Even though most would consider ravens to be ordinary, they would be rather surprised at how apt they are of not only recognising magic but also learning it."

"I've been surprised to discover the same, sir," says Margaret, stroking a finger down the raven's feathers. "Sir... is Fawkes your familiar?"

"A familiar? Aaah... You found the term in the Book of Merlin, I gather?" asks Dumbledore.

Margaret nodded. "I first saw it in the version you translated for me, but I truly started paying attention to it after Jasper started talking to me."

"Naturally, finding your own familiar would have increased your curiosity," says Dumbledore, looking curious. "It is a wonder, however, to be able to communicate with animals. There have been cases of such rare magical talent – as you know, Parseltongue is the ability to speak to snakes – however, as I said, the ability to speak with any non-human creature is rare. There are some languages you can learn, of course, like Mermish. I would dare a guess and say that Jasper does not speak out loud to you."